The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, sponsored by the IRS, offers free tax services for individuals with low-to-moderate incomes, the elderly, disabled and/or those who lack English language proficiency. Although established by the IRS in 1969, it is administered by partnering community based volunteer organizations throughout U.S.,…

With an eye toward contemporary skill building to meet community centered economic needs, organizations such as Literacy Volunteers of America are increasingly pressured to examine new avenues in promoting employment readiness skills for the newly literate. These organizations and countless others have come to the realization that being prepared…

Winter had set in, and the local charity had already run out of warm coats. Students sprang into action. They made calls, rang doorbells, announced the need daily at school. Working together, they collected 87 coats--each with a hat, glove, and scarf set--with jeans, sweaters, shoes, and new toys thrown in as an additional gift. The students--all…

This report offers practical suggestions for literacy practitioners and program administrators on how to use webinar and webcasting technologies to promote and market literacy. The report is divided into sections on how to use webinars for learners, for staff and volunteers and to engage the general community. A checklist of tips to use on the day…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the current state of student volunteering in English universities, and show how it contributes to some of the core activities of higher education, including teaching and learning, employability, and public engagement. The paper goes on to describe challenges currently faced by student volunteering,…

Public and school libraries often allow high school students to serve as volunteers out of their own interest, to fulfill community service requirements for graduation or for court-ordered obligations. Community college libraries often rely on college students on work-study but starting a high-school-age volunteer program would create a bridge to…

Technology may not be a magic wand, but innovative technology programming can genuinely help children become adept at navigating our increasingly wired world while also helping them develop deductive reasoning, math, and other vital literacy skills. One of the simplest and most powerful tools for technology-based public library programming is…

This article describes the planning, development, implementation, and effects of volunteer programs in three schools of the Niagara, Ontario region. (HMD)

Developing educational programs for older adults who are highly educated and healthy is necessary in order to meet the learning needs for this specific group. One response to this demand for educational programs is the Learning in Retirement Organization (LIR). LIR began in New York City in 1962 as an educational program for retired professionals.…

Many universities, colleges, and independent schools face the reality of geographically expanding alumni bases, likely combined with constant or decreasing budgets for alumni activities. Well-intentioned colleagues understand the potential power of a geographically diverse alumni network but do not always grasp the time and complexity associated…

This handbook presents information on the organization and execution of volunteer programs. Some general questions are answered concerning the aims of a volunteer program, the cost of these programs, and the types of services educational volunteers perform. The organization and administration of these programs are discussed in relation to specific…

When community members volunteer for young people, they forge pathways of knowledge and compassion, and gain a better understanding of the mission and challenges of the schools. Youth service-learning programs that give high school and middle school students the chance to work with younger students or on community projects also leave lasting…

Describes a one credit-hour minicourse developed by Tennessee Tech University that is designed to aid principals and teachers in organizing and implementing school volunteer programs. (JG)

This document provides a conceptual framework and programs structure that encompasses a training program for coordinators of volunteers with special emphasis on tutorial services within the public school and junior college environment. The project design includes program objectives, criteria for solving the problem, procedures, supportive services…

Describes a series of training modules and a process for volunteer advisory boards to assess the current degree to which their organizational structure, policies, and programs are inclusive for diverse audiences. Includes illustrations and assessment tools in 13 appendices. (JOW)